India, the land of most exquisite variety of food. Your taste buds in this nation will explore flavours like never before, and if you are from a foreign nation, some taste buds will be born when you savour the delicacies of our land. Nothing more seems to be left to be invented but how about discovery? A liitle mix and match or a tango to add to elevate the pleasures? Sounds good, isn't it?
To explore this very nature of human attempt to pair wine, which though savoured by Indians occasionally is not particularly a favourite combination with meals. Indians dine without wine. Grover Zampa Wineyards , along with 27 Icons decided to pair wine with Indian food. When Kartikya from Thnkmkt invited me for the same, I was game. The evening had the best food bloggers/ tasters/reviewers of Delhi to give their opinion of the pairing.
The event began with a warm welcome from Avninder Sir who explained the history of 27 Icons along with the area where it is located "The Main Market Lodhi Road". The evening then began with the delicacies being served and an account of why that particular pairing was formulated. After each round of food we had interesting questions which kept us at our best to win "Grover Zampa Wines" ofcourse.
Starters:
1. Sauvignon Blanc paired with Hazarvi Murg Malai Tikka & Tandoori Paneer Masala Tikka.
Paneer Masala tikka which is spicy as it touches your taste buds and gradually becomes subtle as the paneer takes over was a great combination with this particular white wine variety which was mild in the beginning with its flavour groing gradually.
2. Spicy Galouti kebab & Saleena kebab blended with Cabernet Shiraz.
Cabernet Shiraz is one wine that makes you experience its strong flavour right as you sip, it went really well with soft and delicious Saleena kebab.
If you ever visit 27 icons this combination is a must have. My most favourite amongst everything I tased that evening.
3. Viognier paired with spicy Methi Murg & Subz Miloni.
Viognier is again a white wine variety which is more subtle and has a constant mild flavour throughout went amazingly well with the spice of these starters.
As far as wine is concerned Viognier was my most favourite of all the three. Do try it!
Main Course:
Finally there was the powerful La Reserve with the Indian Punjabi main course including Paneer, Dal Makhni, Plain Rice and Rotis.
The wine kept us talking and the quizzes added to the fun. The best part however was the dessert: Gulab Jamun with Vanilla Ice-cream.
This had a hint of winE the in the Gulab Jamun Dough mix as the taste set in profoundly only as you savoured the Gulab Jamun. And yes for figuring out this I got a Grover Zampa Wine, the foodie in me was proud and happy. I thank my taste buds for the same ;). I shall now experiment with this bottle by pairing it with Indian foods I believe will go with it.
So needless to say Grover Zampa wines go very well with Indian foods. Give it a try!
All of us all smiles post the relaxing wine and dine session.
Host: Kartikya Arora, Founder Thnkmkt, Malay Rout, Business Head (North & East) of Grover Zampa Vineyards. and most of all our favourite Avininder Singh,Founder, The Foodie Surdie Company.
